Chicago Uber Accident Lawyer Resolving Your Rideshare Claim

Rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft have exploded across the country in the last few years. According to the Chicago Tribune, the number of registered vehicles for companies like Uber quadrupled from 2014 to 2017.

Rideshares involve Uber and Lyft drivers who are paid for transporting passengers in the driver's own car at a reduced rate, working as independent contractors.

Our Chicago personal attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC are committed to holding rideshare companies accountable when their drivers' negligence results in an accident with injuries to passengers or other drivers. Schedule a free consultation for a free legal consultation.

Were you or a family member injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle? 

If so, we encourage you to contact our Chicago car accident office for a free consultation about your legal options for recovery.

Why Uber Accident Cases are Different than Other Chicago Car Accidents

Were you injured in an accident with an Uber vehicle? If so, it is important to know that your case is different from other types of car accidents involving private individuals.

When an Uber or Lyft driver injures their passengers or other motorists, you will have a personal injury claim against the driver and the ridesharing company itself after the accident happened.

Uber Responsible for Accidents Involving Uber Cars

As the employer of people driving vehicles controlled by technologies operated by Uber, the ridesharing company is liable to pay for resulting life-threatening injuries.

It can be a positive factor in recovering the full value of a bodily injury case. There are liability policies in place that are typically more substantial (at least $1 million in coverage per person) than those with private driver's insurance coverage.

Our lawyers can provide you with legal advice on how to move your compensation case along involving an Uber or Lyft driver.

For example, we can work with Uber and their insurance company to identify the driver's personal insurance policy, the extent of liability coverage on the car accident, and the amount you could receive to pay your medical expenses and lost wages after the accident occurred.

Uber and Lyft Growth in Chicago

While Uber grosses over $3 billion in profits annually, it started with more humble origins. Founded in 2009 in San Francisco, the creators aimed to provide a lower-cost alternative to cabs and other private driving services. They did this through several mechanisms, including passenger pooling.

The Company has blossomed into one of the biggest ridesharing companies on earth, operating in multiple countries. They offer multiple products, including peer ride-sharing, ride-hailing, and foodservice delivery, by establishing an app on peoples' smartphones and controlling every ride aspect.

Uber has also entered the realm of Illinois law when people get injured or killed by Uber callers.

• Globally, almost 100 million people use the Uber or Lyft app monthly
• Uber generates almost $15 billion each quarter
• There are almost 15 million Uber and Lyft trips each day
• Nearly eighty percent of the time in Chicago, riders travel by themselves as opposed to using the pool feature
• Most Uber and Lyft trips cost riders between $5 and $10
• The most popular Uber/Lyft trips included Old Town, Gold Coast, River North, and Streeterville (roughly 3 million pickups and drop-offs from November 2018 to April 2019).
• The Loop had roughly 1.5 million pickups and drop-offs in that same time
• The United Center area, Fulton Market, and Illinois Medical District (Near West Side) also had about 1.5 million pickups and drop-offs in that same time
• There are tens of thousands of rideshare drivers in the Chicagoland area, with 4 million Uber drivers globally
• Almost 75% of rideshare drivers are male

Safety Risks Faced by Uber Passengers and Other Drivers

Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers are committed to providing legal representation for passengers and other drivers injured in collisions with rideshare service vehicles.

Examples of potential personal injury cases against rideshare companies would involve:

• Uber and Lyft passengers injured or killed in a traffic accident caused by the negligence of rideshare drivers and others
• Passengers injured when they enter or exit the vehicle
• Distracted driving involving Uber/Lyft cars
• Drunk driving
• Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists injured in collisions with an Uber or Lyft driver
• Sexual assault of a passenger by the Uber or Lyft driver
• Chicago rideshare drivers injured in collisions caused by other drivers

Compensation Available to People Injured in Chicago Uber Accidents

The specific types of damages you might recover in a rideshare accident are the same as any type of car accident in Chicago, IL. After proving causation, you can seek monetary damages for economic and non-economic damages related to your injuries.

Economic damages for your case might include:

• Medical expenses for bodily injury
• Medical bills for past and future medical attention and treatment
• Physical therapy
• Lost income
• Disability accommodations
• Medical devices
• Car rental fees
• Property damage

Non-economic damages for your case can include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of full life
• Disfigurement

In the case of a fatality involving a ridesharing vehicle, the family may pursue a claim to recover the loss of economic and emotional support.

Contact our law firm for a free consultation with an experienced accident attorney for more information on damages available in Uber claims and lawsuits.

Why You Want Experienced Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Uber and Lyft accident claims involve multiple insurance companies and often claims against multiple parties associated with rideshare services that transport passengers.

While an insurance company is very willing to negotiate with Uber/Lyft accident victims, they will typically offer lower amounts or try to get you to settle for a lump sum before you know the full extent of your healthcare expenses or other bodily injury damages.

Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, you should consult an experienced accident attorney who can investigate the accident and evaluate your case and ensure you recover the full value for your case.

Our lawyers can help maximize the value of your case. Our rideshare attorneys are well-versed in negotiating with insurance for settlements involving traffic accidents with Uber and Lyft.

We can also negotiate reduced medical liens with your personal insurance company to ensure you get the full payout from your case.

We offer every person injured in a Lyft/Uber accident a free consultation with a skilled trial lawyer who can address all your questions about your case and the applicable law.

Chicago Uber Drivers: Steps to Avoid an Uber Crash

The responsibility of rideshare drivers is monumental, transporting pay clients from point A to point B safely and responsibly. Rideshare drivers in Chicago, and across the country must take extra steps to avoid causing an accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are a few things you can do to help avoid an accident when using Uber or any other rideshare service.

Are You an Uber Driver? 

Take these precautions:

• Always wear your seatbelt when driving passengers.
• Use your smartphone GPS while operating a vehicle for Uber or Lyft.
• Never send or read texts while behind the wheel.
• Avoid driving when you are tired or intoxicated.
• Do not drive when your driving privileges have been suspended.
• Avoid driving in bad weather conditions.
• Do not exceed the speed limit.
• Make sure your phone is locked and put in your pocket while driving.
• If you need to make a call, pull over and stop driving.
• Keep an eye out for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.
• Follow the Highway Code of your country.
• Do not use your phone while driving, even if you are stopped at a red light or in traffic.
• Keep your vehicle well-maintained, and do not drive if you are tired.
• Plan your route in advance and be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not leave your drink unattended while in an Uber or any other vehicle.
• Report any suspicious activity to the police.

For more information on how to avoid a ridesharing accident, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a ridesharing accident, please contact our law offices for a free consultation with an experienced Chicago lawyer. We will work to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Uber and Lyft Passengers: Steps to Stay Protected

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you can do a few things to help protect yourself when using Uber or any other rideshare service.

Are you a passenger in an Uber? 

Take these precautions:

• Make sure you are in a safe place before you enter or exit the vehicle
• Do not leave your drink unattended while in an Uber or any other vehicle
• Avoid sitting in the front seat
• Avoid hiring an Uber or Lyft when alone. Take a friend or co-worker with you
• Be aware of your surroundings and who is driving the vehicle before you enter
• Do not enter or exit the vehicle until it has come to a complete stop
• If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, ask the rideshare driver to change the route or to stop the car

For more information on how to stay safe when using Uber, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a ridesharing accident, please contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC for a free case evaluation with an experienced lawyer. We will work to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Sample Chicago Personal Injury Lawsuits Involving Uber Car Accidents

Yes, below are some examples of lawsuits people in the Chicagoland area have filed against Uber to recover compensation for an injury or death. If you have questions about a particular situation, contact our law offices to consult with an Uber rideshare lawyer.

THE FAMILY SUES UBER AFTER AN 8-CAR CRASH OUTSIDE OF CHICAGO. (Cook County, Circuit Court)

This personal injury lawsuit was filed in November 2018 by plaintiffs who sued in Illinois, targeting Uber and a delivery company. 

The incident occurred on an exit off I-90. A mother and her daughter hailed a car via Uber. As it went to their destination, a trucker rear-ended them. They sustained multiple personal injuries.

Both needed to be transported to local hospitals. However, doctors deemed their serious injuries as non-critical. Nevertheless, their Uber lawyer sued the rideshare driver, Uber, and the delivery company. The family claims that both acted negligently and are responsible for the serious injuries of the mother and child.

Specifically, the plaintiffs cite the defendant driver failing to control their speeds, keep a proper lookout (distracted driving), and avoid the incident. In addition, they claim compensation for their medical costs, future medical attention, legal and other losses for damages.

CHICAGO LAW FIRM BRINGS SUIT AGAINST UBER AFTER THE DEATH OF THEIR SON. (Cook County Circuit Court)

In June of 2018, an Uber driver shot Hyum Kim. Kim died from his injuries. However, his family argued that this was the last thing he could have expected as he hopped into the vehicle.

He merely wanted to reach his destination using the rideshare mobile Uber app. Uber has policies against the carrying and use of firearms by its drivers.

However, the family maintains that the rideshare company did not enforce those policies.

They claim the company was grossly negligent. If the plaintiffs are successful in this argument, they will be able to sue Uber for the intentional acts of the Uber driver.

It means the plaintiffs will be able to get wrongful death damages, including lost support and companionship, suffering, and expenses, among other things.

SEVEN PLAINTIFFS JOIN A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST UBER.

Reports emerge from a recent filing of more abuse, harassment, and kidnapping by Uber drivers. In addition, seven women joined an ongoing class-action lawsuit against the ride-sharing company brought by passengers.

They each claim various physical, emotional, and emotional harms. These stem from the conduct of the drivers. In addition, the suit targets the Company itself because, in the plaintiffs' view, it failed to maintain vehicles to protect riders.

They either knew of the danger certain drivers posed or recklessly ignored it. In addition, they allege the Company failed to perform sufficient background checks for its drivers.

Lawyers maintain this case's goal to get justice for those men and women harassed and assaulted. Also, they want to stop Uber from forcing accident victims to arbitrate the matter rather than going through the court system.

LOGAN SQUARE WOMAN SUES AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT.

This sexual assault case was recently filed in Illinois. It kicked off after a woman requested an Uber from the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Instead, she wanted to go home to her apartment in Logan Square.

Unfortunately, things didn't go as she planned. The Uber driver groped her, demanded her phone number, and then would not let her leave until she consented to other demands. The woman complained of anguish, pain, and other physical and mental injuries.

Her Chicago lawsuit contends that both the driver and the Company are responsible. Accordingly, she seeks compensation from both parties.

PARENTS SUE UBER AFTER FATAL SPRINGFIELD, IL MOTORCYCLE CRASH.

This recent accident lawsuit was filed in Sangamon County, Illinois. It began after a rideshare driver crashed into a motorcycle. Unfortunately, both the driver and passenger of the bike died.

The passenger's parents sued the rideshare driver, Uber, and the motorcyclist. The complaint suggested the motorcyclist was speeding. Also, it complained that the driver was distracted by Uber's mobile app on his phone.

In this way, they could target the Company itself by claiming a preventable death. That means the plaintiffs believe the defendants wrongfully caused the death of their loved one.

Further, they think the defendants should pay for the costs, expenses, suffering, and pain that came from that death. In total, they ask for more than $50,000 for these damages.

Call anytime for a free case analysis if you have questions about a rideshare driver's negligence that caused an accident. Also, talk with us if you are ready to talk with a lawyer about a ridesharing accident.

Our law firm is committed to getting maximum compensation for people injured in a ridesharing accident. Talk to a Chicago attorney 24-7 to discuss your legal rights with a licensed attorney.

How Do I Win My Accident Case to Pay All My Medical Bills?

According to data, more than 95% of all injury cases, involving accidents, are resolved through negotiated settlements. Typically, the plaintiff (injured party) and their attorney will set a negotiation meeting to determine if both sides are willing to resolve the case for maximum compensation.

An Illinois civil tort law, the plaintiff (victim) must prove the four elements that include:

• The Uber or Lyft driver had a legal responsibility to ensure the passengers' safety
• The Uber or Lyft driver breached that responsibility
• That breach led to an accident with victims
• The victims' serious injuries and damages are real and provable in court

Typically, to win a ridesharing accident case and pay all your healthcare expenses, you must prove that the negligent Uber or Lyft driver drove recklessly. In addition, you will need to provide evidence that the driver was not paying attention, distracted, or carelessly operating the car.

Proving Who Is at Fault

While determining who is at fault might be easy for you because you were sitting in the back seat of the car at the time of the accident, it might be more challenging to prove in court. In these cases, an experienced attorney will likely hire an accident reconstruction expert or investigator to accurately calculate how the accident happened and who was at fault.

In these cases, the driver might claim they were not at fault for the accident. However, you will need to prove otherwise in court. It means gathering evidence that shows proof of negligence on their part.

Call today and talk with an accident attorney. Tell us what happened during the moments before, during, and after the accident occurred to collect evidence for your case.

If you have been injured in an Uber collision, call us now for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. 

Filing an Uber Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Surviving family members who lost a loved one in an accident have the legal right to file a civil lawsuit claiming a preventable death. Qualifying family members typically include the surviving spouse, parent, grandparent, children, grandchildren, siblings, etc.

Under civil tort law, these family members can file single or multiple lawsuits to recoup their damages that might include:

• The decedent's lost wages and future lost earnings
• The decedent's pain and suffering before passing
• The decedent's hospital bills and medical costs
• The survivors' grief, pain, suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress over losing a loved one
• Loss of consortium and companionship
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Punitive damages (in some cases)

If you have lost a loved one in an Uber wreck, you should call our law office now for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to file a lawsuit and receive financial compensation for your damages. 

We understand that no amount of money can ever replace your loved one, but it can help to ease the financial burden during this difficult time.

Our law office is committed to getting fair and full compensation for people injured in an Uber collision. Talk to a lawyer 24-7 to discuss your legal rights with a licensed attorney. 

Chicago Accident Lawyer Explains the Different Forms of Compensation You Can Receive After an Uber Collision

Under civil tort law, victims and surviving family members can obtain numerous forms of compensation when involved in a ridesharing accident. These damages include: 

• Compensatory Damages: This is the most common type of damages awarded in accident injury cases. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate the victim for their losses, including healthcare expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, a plaintiff may obtain punitive damages from the defendant. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for their actions and discourage others from engaging in similar behavior.
• Death Damages: Surviving family members who have lost a loved one in an accident can file a lawsuit to recover damages that include the decedent's lost earnings and future lost earnings, pain, and suffering before passing, hospital bills, and medical expenses, grief, pain, suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress over losing a loved one.

Our Lyft accident lawyers will discuss these damages in detail during your free car accident case evaluation. We will review the details of your accident to determine if you have a potential compensation claim. If so, we can begin building your case today.

We Do Not Believe in A "Coin Toss" Settlement Strategy for Uber Accidents 

Our accident lawyers have a successful track record representing clients who have been injured in rideshare accidents throughout Illinois and the greater Chicago metropolitan area. 

We have obtained numerous six- and seven-figure settlement agreements for our clients, including everything from lost earnings and costs of medical care to pain and suffering damages. 

Our Law Firm Investigating Rideshare Accidents

Our law offices are currently investigating a potential ridesharing accident lawsuit where the at-fault driver allegedly used his cell phone when he struck our client's vehicle. In addition, our investigators have also determined that the driver had previously been cited for running a red light.

We understand that every accident case in the ridesharing industry is unique, which is why we take the time to investigate the details of your case and gather as much evidence as possible to support your personal injury claim. It includes obtaining police reports, witness statements, and medical records.

Determining Fault

Our Uber accident lawyers will also determine who was at fault for causing your Uber Lyft accident and what to do about it. We will meet with you face-to-face at a local hospital or doctor's office to discuss your injuries and how they have affected your life.

As soon as we obtain the necessary evidence, we will begin negotiating with the insurance adjuster for Uber for an acceptable settlement on your behalf. We will file a lawsuit and fight for your full compensation at trial when appropriate.

Chicago Rideshare Accident Injury Law FAQs

Below are some questions raised by current and former clients injured in a rideshare car accident (Uber Lyft accident).

Of course, should you have further questions, we invite you to contact our accident lawyers in Chicago and schedule a free consultation.

Contact Our Chicago Uber Accident Lawyers Today

The experienced Chicago Uber accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have handled thousands of complex auto accident cases. We can help you determine your best course of action through a free consultation.

Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your personal bodily injury claim. Contact our law firm today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) or through the contact form to schedule a free consultation.

You don't owe us anything if we can't help you with your auto accident case. We don't take a fee until we recover full and fair compensation on your behalf.

All discussions with an experienced Uber accident attorney in our office will remain confidential through an attorney-client relationship.

If you or a loved one was the victim of a sexual assault in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, view our information page.

Chicago Ridesharing Accident Attorney Resources:

• NCBI - Ridesharing and motor vehicle crashes
• University of Chicago - The Cost of Convenience: Ride-hailing and Traffic Fatalities